A full scale exploration to hopefully find the remains of a “lost manor” in Pinchbeck is to start next spring.
It is more than three years since Pinchbeck History and Archaeology Group’s last dig at Healey’s Field was closed down, mainly to lack of funding.
But the project, which unearthed a wealth of information and artefacts to add new chapters to early village life, was never meant to be confined to the history books.
Group press officer Ray Tucker says that new funding means that the entire project can be brought back to life.
He said: “But the new dig will take place at a different site quite close to Healey’s Field.
“In mid-August this year a full geophysical survey over an area of approximately five hectares, was carried out at Abbey Field adjacent to Herring Lane, and compelling evidence that a medieval manor really did exist in the village have been revealed.
The survey, carried out by Lincoln-based Allen Archaeology, clearly shows building outlines and a number of areas where stone structures lay beneath the surface of Abbey Field.
Mark Allen, of Allen Archaeology, says the results of the survey are some of the most detailed he has ever seen.
Now plans are in place to excavate a number of trenches up to six feet wide and to whatever depth is needed to discover what is actually hidden.
The project to find Pinchbeck’s lost manor was initiated by local businessman and village resident John Lyon, an ultra enthusiastic metal detectorist, who over the years has unearthed an impressive quantity of metal objects, coins, musket balls, and segments of pottery, particularly from Abbey Field.
He said: “I have always been convinced that this field in particular is the most logical location for a settlement.
“Old maps of the area show an area of ‘ruins’ and the recent survey clearly shows positive signs of possible structural remains, drainage and boundary features.
“The area of land in question is owned by Lincolnshire Field Produce and with the help of the company’s managing director Robin Hancox and his field manager Paul Langford, who have given their full support to the project, we are able to proceed.
“This is a wonderful gesture and now we plan to begin work on April 1.”
Mr Lyon also says that it may be possible in the future to re-open Healey’s Field as archaeologists from Allen Archaeology of Lincoln, feel certain the site has more treasures to reveal.